Letter: Macksey: Working Hard From Day One

To the Editor:

Beyond a doubt, Jennifer Macksey is the most qualified leader who possesses the values, experience, skills, and total dedication to the residents of North Adams to continue to serve as mayor. She listens, executes, and delivers results.

As a lifelong resident of North Adams and as a 28-year teacher at Drury High School, I know firsthand that Jennifer's word is her promise. She follows through with initiatives and works tirelessly in her pursuit of improving the city's infrastructure and educational programming. Jennifer has improved services to ensure greater accountability and transparency. She has protected taxpayers, balanced budgets, and prioritized public safety to keep our neighborhoods safe.

Ms. Macksey has a love of our city and is genuinely concerned about the welfare of every resident. She works tirelessly to make our community a better place.

A mayor requires strong leadership, effective communication, and sound managerial skills to run a city efficiently. Key skills include the ability to research and analyze complex city issues, represent the city to external parties, lead and motivate staff, and make sound decisions within a complex political and legal framework. Jennifer Macksey has these skills and is the right person to continue to lead the City of North Adams.

Jennifer Macksey is an experienced problem solver and strong leader with great integrity. She has been ready from day one, has worked hard, and has delivered on her promises. Please join me in voting for Jennifer Macksey on Nov. 4 to continue serving as our mayor. North Adams deserves a strong, experienced leader.

Patrick Boulger
North Adams, Mass. 

North Adams Council Recognizes Special Olympian, OKs Account Transfers

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
11:20AM / Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Jenna Thomas has participated in the Special Olympics for more than 20 years, earning numerous medals. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Special Olympian Jenna Thomas was recognized at City Council on Tuesday for her medal-winning performance at the 2026 games last month in Minnesota.

 

"I think it's so appropriate as I'm about to proclaim Disabilities Pride Month that we recognize and honor Jenna," said Mayor Jennifer Macksey, who had Thomas join her at the podium."

 

Thomas was one of nearly 3,000 athletes who participated in the 2026 Special Olympics, which brought nearly 3,000 athletes from across the country to celebrate the talents, determinations, and achievements of individuals with intellectual disabilities. She won bronze as a member of the Berkshire County Arc Titans bowling team, a fourth in doubles with teammate Katherine Meunier and placed in the top 10 for singles nationally.

 

She's been participating in Special Olympics since her teenage years, competing in cross country skiing, track and field since 2009. Thomas switched to bowling in 2019 and has won gold; she was recognized by the mayor in 2023 for her athletic accomplishments representing Massachusetts and North Adams. 

 

"Look at how beautiful that is — a bronze medal in bowling and placed fourth in the doubles competition, demonstrating her dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship on the national stage," said the mayor. "She also got to meet the governor's partner, Joanna [Lydgate], who we went out with for ice cream. ...

 

"In returning home, she credited her participation to the friendships she's made and the joy of competing ... her accomplishments are a source of pride for the city of North Adams and should serve as an inspiration for the entire community."

 

The mayor also presented $730,741.06 in end-of-year transfers. These transfers are made from accounts with excess funds to accounts that have gone over. Every line with the exception of snow and ice must be balanced for the end of the year.